Preface

This book covers topics that are of interest to a PostgreSQL
database administrator. This includes installation of the
software, set up and configuration of the server, management of
users and databases, and maintenance tasks. Anyone who runs a
PostgreSQL server, either for personal use, but especially in
production, should be familiar with the topics covered in this
book.

The information in this book is arranged approximately in
the order in which a new user should read it. But the chapters
are self-contained and can be read individually as desired. The
information in this book is presented in a narrative fashion in
topical units. Readers looking for a complete description of a
particular command should look into the PostgreSQL 7.3.21 Reference Manual.

The first few chapters are written so that they can be
understood without prerequisite knowledge, so that new users
who need to set up their own server can begin their exploration
with this book. The rest of this book which is about tuning and
management presupposes that the reader is familiar with the
general use of the PostgreSQL database system. Readers are
encouraged to look at the PostgreSQL 7.3.21 Tutorial and the
PostgreSQL 7.3.21 User's
Guide for additional information.

This book covers PostgreSQL
7.3.21 only. For information on other versions, please
read the documentation that accompanies that release.